Suicide Loss Memorial Activation
BRYCE RIVER FOUNDATION TO UNVEIL MEMORIAL RIBBON GARDEN HONORING LIVES LOST TO SUICIDE AND SUPPORTING FAMILIES LEFT BEHIND
Community-Wide Activation to Travel Throughout SWLA During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Lake Charles, LA (July 16, 2025) – The Bryce River Foundation will unveil its Memorial Ribbon Garden on August 16, 2025, during the organization's second annual "Ride Towards Tomorrow" cycling event at Crying Eagle Brewing Company. This powerful visual tribute honors Southwest Louisiana (SWLA) residents who have died by suicide and recognizes their surviving families, who often face increased risks themselves.
September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, making it an ideal time for communities to emphasize education, awareness, and support. Throughout this month, the Memorial Ribbon Garden will be activated in various SWLA businesses and public spaces, providing numerous opportunities for community members to reflect on the impact of suicide while learning about available resources and support systems.
"This is not an issue occurring in a distant place where we have little influence," said Scott Waldrop, CEO of the Bryce River Foundation. "We are losing our family members, neighbors, first responders, business professionals, civic leaders, and educators—real individuals who leave behind unfulfilled legacies due to preventable deaths. The Memorial Ribbon Garden offers our community a visual representation of the number of lives and families affected by mental illness and suicide."
Every memorial ribbon in the garden is a large purple and teal corrugated yard sign displaying the message "We Remember [person's name]," using the official colors of suicide awareness. Families and loved ones can request a memorial ribbon for someone they've lost by completing a form at: https://form.jotform.com/bryceriverfoundation/loss-survivor-registration.
The Impact of Suicide in Louisiana
The need for increased suicide awareness and prevention efforts is underscored by sobering statistics from the Louisiana Department of Health. In 2023, there were 691 deaths by suicide in Louisiana, making suicide the eleventh leading cause of death statewide. For younger Louisianans, the statistics are even more alarming—suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for individuals ages 10-24 and 25-34.
Louisiana's age-adjusted suicide rate of 15.7 per 100,000 people exceeds the national average of 14.7 per 100,000. The crisis has disproportionately affected certain communities, with suicide rates increasing 51% within the Non-Hispanic Black population between 2019 and 2023. Males account for 80% of suicide deaths, and 68% involve firearms.
The data indicates that 14% of individuals who died by suicide were current or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces. This highlights the unique vulnerability of both veterans and active military personnel. The Bryce River Foundation supports this population through its partnership with "With You," an organization that serves first responders and veterans.
Hope Through Action
Although the figures reveal a stark reality, there are encouraging signs. According to the 2023 Louisiana Youth Risk Behavior Survey, fewer teens reported having suicidal thoughts compared to 2021, with a 32% decrease in high school students reporting they seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous 12 months.
"Every suicide is preventable," Waldrop emphasized. "Through initiatives like the Memorial Ribbon Garden, we're not only honoring those we've lost but also creating opportunities for our community to engage in safe and meaningful conversations about mental health and suicide prevention."
Community Participation Encouraged
The traveling nature of the display ensures maximum community exposure throughout September, allowing residents across SWLA to encounter this impactful reminder of lives lost and the ongoing need for mental health support and suicide prevention efforts.
Businesses and public spaces interested in hosting the Memorial Ribbon Garden during September can request participation by completing a form at: https://form.jotform.com/bryceriverfoundation/host_ribbons.
The initiative represents a continuation of the Bryce River Foundation's mission to break the stigma and silence around mental health through open, compassionate conversations while providing crucial support to suicide loss survivors and their families.
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About the Bryce River Foundation
Bryce River Foundation is born from a family’s journey through suicide loss, and guided by hope and healing. We break the silence around mental health by encouraging open conversations and equipping our community with suicide prevention training. Through postvention programs, we stand alongside suicide loss survivors and their families. By forging partnerships with coalitions, professionals, and organizations, we ensure no one walks their path alone—and empower everyone to ask for help.
We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Call or text 988 for help.